The Trump administration has imposed new double-digit tariffs on more than 60 trading partners, citing inadequate enforcement of forced labor bans, just as a temporary 10% global duty was set to expire. The levies, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, cover the vast majority of US imports and mark the latest escalation in President Donald Trump's trade agenda following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier tariffs as illegal. The new duties take effect Friday at 12:01 a.m. Washington time, according to BBC News and Al Jazeera.

New Tariffs Replace Expiring Global Levy

The new tariffs come into force just as a temporary 10% duty on all foreign goods, imposed by Trump after the Supreme Court's February ruling, expires at 12:01 a.m. Friday. The administration had signaled it would seek alternative legal avenues to maintain its trade policies. The Office of the US Trade Representative, led by Jamieson Greer, announced the measures late Thursday, invoking Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This statute allows the president to impose import taxes on countries found to engage in unjustifiable or unreasonable trade practices, and it has withstood legal scrutiny in the past, as Al Jazeera reports.

According to BBC News, the tariffs target around 60 trading partners that account for the vast majority of US imports. The administration argues these countries have failed to properly enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. Greer stated that the action aims to correct both a human rights abuse and a distortive trade practice, improving the welfare of workers everywhere.

Which Countries Are Affected?

The list includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, China, India, Japan, Australia, and the 27 member states of the European Union, as detailed by The Guardian. The US trade representative's office investigated each country's labor practices to determine whether they were effectively blocking forced labor imports. Countries that have made commitments to adopt and enforce forced labor import bans will face a lower 10% tariff, while those that have not will be subject to the higher 12.5% rate. CBS News reports that 17 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Mexico, will receive the lower rate, while Vietnam and China face the higher rate. Five other trading partners, including the European Union, will have additional levies to bring their total most-favored-nation tariff rate to either 10% or 12.5%.

Legal and Political Context

The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that many of Trump's earlier tariffs, imposed under emergency powers, were illegal. In response, the president turned to temporary levies while seeking more durable legal footing. The new tariffs under Section 301 represent that effort. The Guardian notes that Trump had promised to investigate unfair trading practices to impose permanent tariffs as soon as the court decision was announced.

Democrats have sharply criticized the move. A House Democrat described the tariffs as an end-run around the Supreme Court and Congress, not a genuine attempt to end forced labor, according to The Guardian. Brazil has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US in response to what it called arbitrary and unjustified claims about forced labor.

Reactions from Trading Partners

Canada, one of America's largest trading partners, immediately responded that it should not be targeted, according to The Guardian. Ontario Premier Doug Ford remarked that it is very hard to deal with President Trump when he changes his mind every single day. The Mexican president chose not to mention the new tariffs in a statement about a meeting with the US trade representative, as reported by The Guardian.

A senior administration official described the measure as the most sweeping international labor rights action the United States has ever taken, and that any country has ever taken, per CBS News. The official argued that countries that do not enforce forced labor bans have an unfair advantage over the US, which does enforce such bans.

Exemptions and Future Tariffs

Some imports are exempted from the levies, including oil and gas, goods not produced in the US, and items where a tariff could cause economic disruptions, according to CBS News. The administration has also launched a probe into whether 16 countries, accounting for 70% of US imports, have overproduced goods, pushing down prices and putting US companies at a disadvantage. That investigation is ongoing, and more Section 301 tariffs are likely, as Al Jazeera reports.

Timeline

  • February 2026: Supreme Court strikes down many of Trump's earlier tariffs as illegal. Trump imposes temporary 10% global tariff.
  • June 2026: White House proposes 10-12.5% duties on dozens of countries over forced labor concerns.
  • July 23, 2026: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announces new tariffs under Section 301, effective July 24.
  • July 24, 2026: New tariffs take effect at 12:01 a.m., replacing expiring temporary duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new tariff rates?

The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5%, depending on whether the trading partner has committed to enforcing forced labor import bans.

How many countries are affected?

Around 60 trading partners are affected, covering 99.4% of US imports, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

Why are these tariffs being imposed?

The administration claims the targeted countries have failed to adequately enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor, which it calls both a human rights abuse and an unfair trade practice.

How do these tariffs differ from previous ones?

The new tariffs are authorized under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which has survived court challenges, unlike earlier tariffs imposed under emergency powers that were struck down by the Supreme Court.

What happens next?

The administration is investigating 16 additional countries for overproduction, which could lead to further tariffs. Retaliatory measures from affected nations, such as Brazil, are expected.

What Happens Next

The new tariffs take effect immediately, replacing the expiring global levy. Trading partners have begun to respond, with Brazil announcing retaliatory tariffs and Canada expressing opposition. The administration's ongoing investigation into 16 countries for overproduction suggests more tariffs could be on the horizon. The move underscores the Trump administration's determination to pursue aggressive trade policies despite legal setbacks, and it sets the stage for further escalation in global trade tensions. Readers should watch for retaliatory measures from affected nations and the outcome of the Section 301 investigation, which could reshape US trade relations for years to come.